At the end of January, we said, “winter decided not to winter.” Then February wrapped up with record highs in the 90s. And March? Let’s just say we fast-forwarded right into summer temps.
March – as another “hottest month on record” – brought record-breaking temperatures (and even a storm that felt a bit like an early monsoon!). After a light rain last night and a brief dip into the mid-80s today (no April Fool’s!), the extended forecast show above-normal temperatures continuing – meaning landscapes will need more frequent watering sooner than expected.
Early mornings are especially pleasant, making it a great time for planting – and don’t forget those irrigation repairs. A quick check now can save water and prevent headaches (and plant loss) later.
👉 Find our checklist to help prepare your landscape for summer's sizzle! 🔥
Photo: Poppies are almost all bloomed out with the warm spring weather.
Recommendations below are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about two years).
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NOTE: Due to above-normal temperatures, these watering frequencies have been adjusted from our typical April guidelines.
Remember, to properly wet the root zone, water for the same duration each time you irrigate. The key is adjusting the frequency based on the season.
- Desert Adapted - once every 18 days
- High Water Use - once every 8 days
- Desert Adapted - once every 22 days
- High Water Use - once every 10 days
- Desert Adapted - once every 15 days
- High Water Use - once every 7 days
Cacti and succulent watering
Annuals & vegetable watering
Wildflower watering
Note: These recommendations are a general guideline only and may need to be modified for your specific site conditions.
Landscape Watering by the Numbers Don’t forget our online, interactive watering guide. If you input some simple information about your landscape irrigation system, it will tell you how long to water to give your plants just the right amount.
Residential Grass-to-Xeriscape and Tree Bonus Incentive is Doubled for a Limited Time! 💰
Have you heard the latest?
Mesa’s Grass-to-Xeriscape incentive just got a major boost!
Thanks to generous sponsorships from SRP and Google, we’re doubling the incentive for a limited time. That means you may qualify for up to $4,200 (was $2,100) to replace your thirsty lawn with beautiful, desert-adapted plants and trees.
It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your landscape, save water, and create a yard that thrives in our Sonoran climate. But don’t wait – funding is limited, and this enhanced incentive won’t last long.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Check eligibility details and apply at the link below. Terms and conditions apply. Incentives are for future projects only.
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Is Your HOA Using Too Much Water? Find Out for Free!
Ever wondered if your HOA’s common area landscaping is using more water than it should? Now’s your chance to find out – for free! Thanks to a special grant, Mesa HOAs can access Waterfluence, an online water budgeting tool that compares your actual water use to a recommended amount based on acreage, landscape type, and real-time weather data. Take the guesswork out of water management and start saving today!
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Upcoming Landscape Workshops
April 9, 6:15 - 8:15 p.m. Transitioning to a Waterwise Design This online Desert Institute of Gardening (DIG) class, taught by Master Gardener Katie Coates, will talk about how to reduce your lawn and to reimagine a more inviting wildlife-friendly landscape. With water bills rising and water shortages growing, it’s time to be more water conscious and save money.
April 11, 10 a.m. - Noon Plant Swap & Propagation Demonstrations Bring your potted plants and cuttings to swap with other plant lovers. Maricopa County Master Gardeners will be conducting planting demonstrations and providing propagation recommendations and tips to help you select plants and cuttings from the swap table that are a good fit for your household. All plants and cuttings are free. Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Rd.
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Water – Plant It Wisely – The Ultimate Spring Planting Resource!
Check out Water – Plant It Wisely to dig into the benefits of low water using plants and landscaping. Be inspired by design ideas, plant selection pages, and more! Because what you plant affects more than your yard. It helps create a more sustainable future.
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Earth Month: Celebrate Water, Earth Day, & Arbor Day
April is Earth Month! 🌎 Celebrate nature’s renewal with Earth Day, Arbor Day, and Water Awareness Month. Small actions make a big difference – check out our 10 simple ways to help the planet in this month's Sustainability Savings Tip!
Earth Day - April 22 Visit our Earth Day page to find our 50+ fun and easy ways to make an impact with planet-friendly tips and ideas – all available from the comfort of your home computer – no auto emissions required!
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Arbor Day - April 24 is a holiday just for trees! Plant a tree, do something nice for your existing trees, learn more about proper tree care to keep your trees healthy and beautiful. Our Arbor Day site has everything you need to learn more.
If you plant a tree, record your tree and get it on our tree planting map at our Trees Are Cool page.
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💦 April is Water Awareness Month, a great time to learn about one of our most precious resources, water! The site is overflowing with ideas, tips, and resources to help you conserve water and save money on your water and wastewater bill. Check out the Water Awareness Month site and attend the Water Awarenss Month festival on April 11, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix.
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Speaking of Water... here's Wayne Drop!
 From April 1-30: Sign onto the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
Mesa is back with the My Water Pledge Challenge, and we’re focused on reclaiming the top spot. Now through April 30, residents can take the online pledge for a chance to win daily prizes and a $3,000 prize toward home utilities, all while supporting water conservation.
Last year, Mesa took first place in its population category and earned the national title of “Most Water‑Wise City,” one of only five cities in the country to receive this honor. Residents pledged to save more than 22 million gallons of water by fixing leaks, choosing drought‑tolerant plants, and preventing outdoor runoff.
Let’s do it again. Take the pledge today and help Mesa stay water-wise:
Photo: (L-R) Wayne Drop (Water – Use It Wisely mascot), Faith P.– last year’s $3,000 utility bill prize winner, and Mayor Mark Freeman. Celebration at Kerr Elementary – Center for Agriscience.
Celebrate Mesa & Earth Day at Pioneer Park!
April 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us for a free, family-friendly event at Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., where the community comes together for games, carnival rides, and live entertainment.
Don't miss the Living Green Village just north of the playground! Engaging exhibitors will offer hands-on activities, expert tips on gardening, trees, recycling, energy, water conservation, and more.
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Looking Ahead: Why Water Efficiency Matters Now More Than Ever 💧
The Colorado River is under increasing strain. Prolonged drought and a hotter, drier climate have reduced flows, and even average snowpack now produces less runoff than in the past – contributing to ongoing water shortages across the Southwest.
Many people may not realize that Arizona has required its largest cities to implement water conservation programs for over 40 years. The City of Mesa meets these standards by tracking water use, reporting annually, and following strict conservation requirements.
Ten Valley cities – including Mesa – work together through the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA). Combined, these water providers implement more than 300 best management practices to meet these requirements and support long-term water reliability.
While each city offers its own mix of programs, incentives/rebates, and tools, these shared efforts reflect a long-standing commitment to using water wisely. Still, water efficiency is everyone’s responsibility – homes, businesses, industries, and agriculture all play a role in protecting our shared water supply.
Visit Mesa's Water Conservation pages to learn about available programs and incentives. For easy, everyday savings, explore our Water – Use It Wisely website where you’ll find 100+ practical tips, landscape guidance, water-wise kits, and resources for kids and teachers – all designed to make saving water simple.
Stay mindful of your water use throughout the year – small, steady actions add up and can help make a big difference for Arizona’s water future.
**Reduce your landscape water use 30 to 50 percent by adjusting your irrigation each season.** “Landscape Watering by the Numbers: A Guide for the Arizona Desert” will help you determine how much water to apply and how long to run your system. Visit the interactive website or request a free copy of the booklet.
-H2O-
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